This is probably a stupid question. I just tried to take my header heat shield off so i can paint it, but i could not get it off because of the 02 senser holds it in. How do i disconnect the 02 sensor in order to remove the heat shield? The connection of the 02 sensor is inside the header heat shield so a can not fit any sort of wrench in there to remove it. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

 

DO NOT REMOVE THE O2 sensor...unless you feel like going out and buying a new one.

Practically everyone who has removed the sensor, has realized that the threads became stripped in the process (either they were cross threaded, or the heat bonded the threads in the bung) and nearly impossible to get back in.

If you're painting the heat shield to try to Sex up the engine bay, i'd tell you IMO not to even worry about it. IF you still have the stock header on, your not going to get any "points" for having a painted heat shield. And the only time you ever see the heat shield is when you're showing off the engine bay..so either just get a header, turbo or just leave as is.

 

If you do want to paint it, Just simply unplug the o2 sensor from it's harness Follow the wire back to the grey plug. Then slide the wire back through the sheild as you pull the sheild off. Pretty simple and no worries dissconnecting the o2, just do not start your car! Also be sure to use a high temp ceramic paint on the heat shield or the paint will flake off. Before painting make sure to clean it with soap and water to remove any grease or oil that will cause the paint to flake off. Last make sure it is totally dry before painting!

Also just a side note, it is the #2 s-pipe o2 sensor that strips when removing. Not the #1 o2 sensor. "or at least I have not heard of the #1 having and issue" my #1 o2 sensor did no have an issue at all either.

 

Good post. But my #1 sensor (on header, and other people's too) stripped threads [on the bung mind you, not the 02 sensor itself) when we took it off the stock header. Was a PITA to get off too. Is now welded back on to stock header. NO problems.

 

RIght on, I re-tapped the threads on my secondary and it held fine... man it was crazy how bad they were welded on!

 

Cool Thanks For The Help Guys

 

So if i get a new s-pipe am i going to have a problem puting the 02 sensor back into the new one.

 

yeah that is what happened to me
just getting the thing out was insane enough.

 

oh poop, i forgot. I had to have my STOCK HEADER tapped out when i reinstalled it to get the o2 sensor to bite, and it barely did at that. Still needed a tac weld.